Child Malnutrition in Argentina
Viewpoints published by Ballard Brief are not necessarily endorsed by BYU or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
By Brooklyn Richins
Published Winter 2025
Special thanks to Maile Villaroel for editing and research contributions.
Summary+
Children in Argentina are experiencing an increase in child malnutrition rates. These children
are at a higher risk for such conditions due to the lower levels of income and education, as
well as the harsh climate and geographic isolation, resulting in a greater reliance on
highly-processed imported foods. Malnutrition in childhood results in negative health
outcomes throughout one’s life, as well as lower academic achievement. Additionally, this
increases the likelihood of their children experiencing malnutrition, thus continuing the cycle.
Currently, efforts to mitigate child malnutrition are focused on providing mothers with education
on nutrition, supplying children with supplements, and connecting families with community
health workers., While these efforts are universally agreed upon, there is a lack of data
analyzing impact. Similarly, there are regions that are seemingly not receiving these resources
in spite of their high need.
Key Terms+
Stunting—Low height-for-age as a result of chronic or recurrent malnutrition. Stunting is highly associated with poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, and/or inappropriate feeding and care during early stages in life. Illness can also put one at higher risk.
Obesity—Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. For children aged ≤ 5 years, obesity is classified as weight-for-height greater than 3 standard deviations above the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards median.
Overweight—Similar to obesity, overweight is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may pose as a detriment to one’s health. For children ≤ 5 years old, overweight is weight-for-height greater than 2 standard deviations above the WHO Child Growth Standards median.
Height-for-age—Height-for-age (HFA) is an index used to assess how a child compares to the expected height of a healthy child of the same age and sex based on the WHO Child Growth Standards.
Weight-for-height—Weight-for-height (WFH) is an index used to assess how a child compares to the expected weight of a healthy child of the same height and sex based on the WHO Child Growth Standards.
Dual Burden of Malnutrition—Households in which there are both underweight and overweight individuals living.,
Wasting—Low WFH, occurring when a child has not had enough food or has micronutrient deficiencies. It can indicate a recent and severe weight loss or a persistent and lengthy weight loss. Risk of death from untreated wasting is high.
Subsistence Farming—Subsistence farming is a form of farming in which most or all of the crops and/or livestock are used solely for the use and sustenance of the farmer and their household. With this type of farming, there is little—if any—left over for trading or sale.
Micronutrient Deficiencies—A lack of essential vitamins and minerals required for proper growth and development. These are not necessarily needed in large amounts.
Dyslipidemia—The imbalance of lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides, amongst others. This condition can lead to cardiovascular disease, as well as severe complications with said disease.
Cholelithiasis—The process of the formation of a gallstone.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension—A health condition wherein the individual experiences elevated pressure of cerebrospinal fluid. While the cause is unknown, it is characterized primarily by intense headaches, ringing in the ears, and vision obscuration or loss.
Body Mass Index (BMI)—A measure used to determine an individual’s nutritional status. The various classifications for nutritional statuses in adults are underweight, normal weight, pre-obesity, obesity class I, obesity class II, and obesity class III.
The full brief is currently being finalized and will be published shortly. Stay tuned for updates!